Microsoft has announced an Extended Security Update (ESU) program for Windows 10, allowing users to secure their systems for an additional year at a cost of $30. This decision comes as the company prepares to end support for Windows 10, potentially affecting 400 million PCs.
The ESU program is a significant shift, previously only available for businesses and educational institutions. Consumers will now have access to essential security updates until October 2026, addressing urgent security concerns as vulnerabilities continue to emerge.
Despite this extension, Microsoft emphasizes the importance of upgrading to Windows 11, which offers enhanced security features, including hardware-based protection through TPM 2.0 and improved phishing defenses. However, many users remain hesitant to transition, with around 900 million PCs still running Windows 10.
As the countdown to the end of Windows 10 support begins, the tech community is divided. While some welcome the ESU option, others fear it merely delays an inevitable security crisis as users grapple with the decision to upgrade.